# Abruzzo regional healthcare service challenges > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/abruzzo-regional-healthcare-service-challenges > Updated: 2026-09-07T12:23:52.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Healthcare services in the Abruzzo region have come under scrutiny due to accessibility issues and structural reforms. Initial reports indicated that Abruzzo ranked lowest in Italy for fulfilling specialist medical visit prescriptions, with only 33.7% of prescriptions resulting in completed appointments. Political representatives criticized the administration, noting that long waiting lists and staff shortages often force citizens to seek private care. Following these concerns, a political dispute emerged regarding the reorganization of the 118 emergency medical service. Critics argued that the reform reduced the number of ambulances staffed by doctors, noting a drop in medicalized stations from 39 in 2023 to 15. In response, regional health officials defended the reorganization as a technical necessity to address chronic physician shortages. The new model aims to increase the number of nursing stations from 15 to 48 and utilize rapid-response vehicles to optimize resources in remote areas. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-07: Abruzzo healthcare reform sparks debate over 118 emergency services Abruzzo's Health Councilor Nicoletta Verì defended a 118 emergency service reform against M5S criticism, stating stations increased to 111 to combat doctor shortages by expanding nursing-led stations. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/abruzzo-health-councilor-defends-118-emergency-service-restructuring ### 2026-08-29: Abruzzo ranks lowest in Italy for specialist medical visit fulfillment Abruzzo ranks lowest in Italy for specialist medical access, with only 33.7% of prescriptions resulting in actual visits, according to regional Democratic Party leaders. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/abruzzo-ranks-lowest-in-italy-for-specialist-medical-visit-fulfillment --- Cite as: Abruzzo regional healthcare service challenges. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/abruzzo-regional-healthcare-service-challenges